CSJazz Band gives chance to play great music

Published: Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012 5:30 a.m. CST

Join a top regional high school band and have fun learning how to swing to the beat of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. CSJazz Band is an opportunity for high school age jazz musicians to practice great music with other musicians.

CSJazz Band is open to ages 14 to 20. The group rehearses from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Sundays. Rehearsals are in the Music Building at Northern Illinois University. The focus of the CSJazz Band is on helping students at all levels develop jazz styles and concepts.

Director Christopher Johnson said his goal is to provide a well-rounded learning experience for all players. This includes performing many pieces from the standard jazz repertoire, learning and practicing the many facets of jazz improvisation, studying jazz historically and culturally, becoming familiar with key figures in the evolution of jazz, and listening to key recordings of those artists. Players learn how to improvise.

This year’s band still has openings for a guitarist, a bass, and trombones. Those interested in auditioning should contact the office at 815-753-1450.

CSJazz Band is one of seven ensembles offered this fall by the NIU Community School of the Arts. Other ensemble opportunities include a children’s choir, a full orchestra, string orchestra, ukulele, guitar and steelpan. Other learning opportunities include lessons and classes in music and art. The program is sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Teachers are faculty and students in the NIU School of Music and Art.

For more information, call the NIU Community School of the Arts at 815-753-1450 or visit www.csa.niu.edu.